1
2
as in to shift
to change one's position
the cat stirred, then opened its eyes and slowly got to its feet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to provoke
to rouse to strong feeling or action
news coverage of the fire stirred many to send donations to a fund for the families who had lost their homes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
the plane's first jolt caused a stir among the passengers, and by the third one they were in a panic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shifting
the act or an instance of changing position
we were warned that the slightest stir would scare the mother bird so we hardly dared to breathe
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in jail
a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody
the mule had just got out of stir and was being followed by the feds, who had their sights set on the kingpin of the operation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stir
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026
Bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring constantly, until sauce has slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
Josh Miller, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026
For the latter, tape or glue a thin microfiber rag to the end of a long, thin piece of wood, like a paint stir stick.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stir
Verb
Their gauzy re-creation of lower Manhattan in the 1990s — with the piles of trash that actually lined the streets at the time carefully removed — is dreamy and likely to stir nostalgic thoughts about Sex and the City, Felicity, and even Eyes Wide Shut.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026
Bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring constantly, until sauce has slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
This recipe has two components—a crunchy streusel topping, and a simple stir-together batter.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026
For the latter, tape or glue a thin microfiber rag to the end of a long, thin piece of wood, like a paint stir stick.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stir
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stir
Verb
-
While much is known about Taylor Swift's favorite lipsticks, rumors have swirled over the years about the star's signature scent.—
Rebecca Norris,
InStyle,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Using a butter knife or thin metal spatula, gently swirl batters to marble (do not overmix).—
Maddy Bendgen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Trojans are using the roughly two weeks in between the conference tournament loss and the beginning of the NCAA Tournament to rebuild their competitive drive before shifting into a mindset that dials in on the Tigers.—
Haley Sawyer,
Oc Register,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The moody Moon activates your 3rd House of Chatter while squaring radical Uranus in your 6th House of Sensibility, prompting updates in accordance with shifting timelines.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The lone spark from the hosts was Ross Johnston’s decisive fight win against Tyler Tucker, though Johnston was assessed a major penalty for boarding on the hit that provoked the conflict.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
9 Mar. 2026
-
What is beauty if not precisely the property that provokes us to abandon all pretense of analytic remove in our desperation to draw closer?—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
All produce, even organic, should be washed before peeling so dirt and bacteria aren’t transferred from a knife onto the fruit or vegetable.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
11 Mar. 2026
-
On’s SenseTec Studio leggings come in a mix of neutrals (black and navy) and pastels (washed pink, mint green, dusty mauve, and a wispy blue that’s soon to launch).—
Talia Abbas,
Vogue,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Andrea Riquier Gas prices rose across the country, and the price of oil was moving higher on Thursday.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
13 Mar. 2026
-
The Lakers moved up to third place in the Western Conference at 41-25 on the season following their seventh win in eight games.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Your 5th House of Frivolity welcomes Luna’s presence, encouraging expressive risks that feel joyful in the moment and help your confidence grow over time.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Slusser also alleged Kress encouraged her to move into the apartment with Fleming, when there was another group of teammates looking for a tenant as well.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Taylor is being driven to her new temporary home in Los Angeles, moments from being whisked away into Bacheloretteland, when Dakota FaceTimes her.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Vulture,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Within mere seconds, campers will be whisked from the claustrophobic stress of a long, harrowing mountain drive to the breezy relaxation of drinks on a shaded porch.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Olson eventually found a substance that did not seem to be hallucinogenic but potently stimulated growth in the cortical neurons of rodents.—
Clayton Dalton,
New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Naboso was developed by a podiatrist and uses texture on all products to stimulate the feet, improving overall foot awareness, foot strength and aiding in recovery.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stir. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
